It is a scandal one in four children are trapped in the iron grip of poverty. For too many Scots hope is fading.The moment to act is now

POLITICS is deeply personal.

- 

Government policies must meet the needs of citizens, making their lives better and securing hope for the future.

Yet, for too many Scots, hope is fading. Despite working hard and keeping our economy running, having a job and being poor is the harsh reality for many of our friends and family.

This is not a personal failure.

It is proof that our economy is broken and only works for a wealthy few.

You may have struggled to get by yourself, or perhaps you've donated to a local food bank.

There is a high chance you know someone who has skipped a meal, not for dieting, but because they simply couldn't afford to eat.

In fact, one million people in Scotland experienced hunger last year due to a lack of money.

Poverty is acting like a war on our own soil, depriving people of basic essentials and denying children the fundamental elements of a healthy life.

Scientists confirm that the chronic stress associated with poverty can even rewire a developing brain, affecting a child throughout their life.

Ending child poverty must be the overriding priority for our political leaders.

Four years ago, the SNP Government was elected on a promise to end the need for food banks.

Last year, it pledged that eradicating child poverty would be its "single greatest priority." While these commitments are the right priorities, they demand the right actions.